The investigation into the author or authors of a threatening letter that closed Pacific Cascade Middle School for three days in December was continuing even as the school reopened Jan. 5.

By Greg FarrarKarin Weihe (left), Issaquah Police School Resource Officer, stands outside Pacific Cascade Middle School as parents leave after the morning meeting with school staff and law enforcement Jan. 5.

For students returning to the Issaquah district school after winter break, the day at Pacific Cascade started an hour later than usual to accommodate a meeting for parents that attracted between 250 and 300 people to the school gym.

Issaquah School District officials were being largely quiet last week regarding the continuing investigation into a threatening letter found Dec. 17 outside a classroom at Pacific Cascade Middle School.

“We aren’t at liberty to talk about the specifics of an investigation while it is underway,” L. Michelle, district director of communications, said in an email.

Police responded at about 5:45 a.m. to a domestic violence call at a home near Third Place Northwest and Northwest Dogwood Street, according to Cmdr. Stan Conrad. While police were speaking with other family members in the home, Conrad said the two youths locked themselves in a bedroom and refused to come out.

Pacific Cascade Middle School is closed today because of a threat to four teachers.

The decision was made this morning, according to an email to parents.

“We have just learned this morning of a typed letter left outside a teacher’s classroom threatening violence against four PCMS staff members this Friday,” the email read. “The note also contains unspecified threats to do violence at lunch or during the school’s winter assembly on Friday and makes reference to having access to a gun.

Out of “an abundance of caution,” the Issaquah School District delayed the start time of Pacific Cascade Middle School on Tuesday, due to an online threat.

The middle school, located at 24635 S.E. Issaquah-Fall City Road, began two-hours late Nov. 4.

Late last night the school received a threat through email, according to a statement posted on the district’s Facebook page.

“We take threats very seriously and immediately called in local law enforcement to investigate,” the district said. “The King County Sheriff’s Office responded quickly, but the investigation wasn’t finished early enough this morning to allow school to start on time. Therefore, we made a decision to delay school by two hours.”

The investigation is now completed and officials say the situation is resolved and it is safe to hold school today.

“Please know we were acting out of an abundance of caution to ensure the safety of students and staff at PCMS,” the statement continued. “We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding.”

The Common Core State Standards, designed to create a consistent set of learning standards for K-12 students, are among the most contentious topics in public education these days.

Politicians, school administrators and public policy experts discussed various aspects of Common Core during a town hall-style meeting Sept. 15 at Pacific Cascade Middle School. About two dozen audience members participated and provided feedback to a seven-person speaking panel.

The annual fundraising events support Issaquah School District students and teachers by investing in a wide variety of educational programs and materials.

Jim Dever, of KING-5 TV, and Molly Shen, of KOMO-4 TV, emceed the two events, which also included student speakers giving their account of donor investments in classrooms, and performances by musical acts from Issaquah High, Grand Ridge Elementary and Pacific Cascade Middle schools.